{
  "id": 2393101,
  "title": "JUST IN: FIFA bans Argentina’s Paredes for 10 matches, Molina for seven",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/just-in-fifa-bans-argentinas-paredes-for-10-matches-molina-for-seven",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-21T15:10:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/just-in-fifa-bans-argentinas-paredes-for-10-matches-molina-for-seven/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Argentina's Leandro Paredes has been banned for 10 matches and Nahuel Molina for seven by FIFA following their team's 1-0 loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. The suspensions stem from post-match altercations that occurred at the New York/New Jersey Stadium on July 19. Paredes was involved in fights with Spanish players, while Molina allegedly struck Spain's captain Rodri as they celebrated their victory. FIFA initiated disciplinary proceedings against both players on multiple counts of assault, unsporting behavior, and other infractions. Additionally, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has been fined $321,000 (£243,000) for various breaches, including discriminatory behavior by supporters and the display of a political banner celebrating Argentine control over the Falkland Islands. The AFA has also been required to limit spectator attendance at their next two home matches, though one of the sanctions is temporarily suspended.",
  "summary": "FIFA has banned Argentina’s Leandro Paredes for 10 matches and Nahuel Molina for seven following post-match clashes in the 2026 World Cup final. The AFA al Read More: https://punchng.com/just-in-fifa-bans-argentinas-paredes-for-10-matches-molina-for-seven/",
  "key_points": [
    "Leandro Paredes banned for 10 matches by FIFA",
    "Nahuel Molina banned for 7 matches by FIFA",
    "AFA fined $321,000 for disciplinary breaches"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "JUST IN: FIFA bans Argentina’s Paredes for 10 matches, Molina for seven",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/just-in-fifa-bans-argentinas-paredes-for-10-matches-molina-for-seven-2394044",
        "published": "2026-08-21T15:18:25.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}